The Corporate Ladder / A Fun Place to Work! : Slide Show

Advancial FCU does things big, being in Texas. The $965 million Dallas institution just spent a week celebrating employees with a variety of actitivities. Added to the parties and picnics and other events year-round, "the fun company culture is part of the reason why Advancial has received some prestigious company awards," says its chief human resources officer, Suzan Dick. That includes inclusion in the 2011 lists of best places to work by Texas magazine and the Dallas Business Journal.

"It's important that our employees look forward to coming to work every day. One of the ways we make that possible is through fun and collaborative social activities," said Brent Sheffield, president/CEO, who also took one on the chin for the team (last slide).

The boss tried to call in sick for "Celebrate Advancial", but a wily magician would have none of it. He "conjured up" CEO Brent Sheffield for the recent celebration after the word had gone out he couldn't be there.

Job cuts can be tough but this seems a bit overboard.

Football's a big deal in Texas. Here, staffers show their team colors, and some serious demeanor, while facing off for action on the paper gridiron. Remember doing that in school?

To kick things off for the recent celebration, a mariachi line seemed most appropriate.

Drumming is good for the spirit, and makes for a good time, so each staffer got her or his own djembe, an authentic African percussion piece.

Seemed a shame to leave out the folks at Advancial's offices in Alaska, Louisiana, Oklahoma and elsewhere in Texas, so they joined in on "Celebrate Advancial" via this remote broadcast.

It wasn't on the same day, but there's never a bad time to give the head guy a face full of pie. Here, CEO Brent Sheffield takes one for charity. The staff raised $1,757.35 in this effort.